Mayor Pougnet Races To Fight Childhood Obesity

Nearly 400 people turned out to Ruth Hardy Wellness Park in Palm Springs for the “Mayor’s Healthy Planet, Healthy You” 1k, 5k and 7 mile race on Saturday. Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet led the pack of valley runners and walkers in the race to fight childhood obesity.

With each stride and all things nutritious, the mayor hopes to promote active and healthy lifestyles for people of all ages.

“Childhood obesity and diabetes, they’re growing in not just our community, but throughout the Coachella Valley and the country. To get a step to educate, to motivate, and get people out is terrific,” said Pougnet.

To keep families aware of their health, the event featured a health and wellness festival — offering free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, and information on local programs and resources available to them.

“Just by bringing the whole family, we set the example you can do this, it just takes a little bit of time and effort and could be a lot of fun,” said Tony Signoret, of Palm Springs.

Also a little healthy competition with his kids gave the Signoret family that extra kick.

“That’s why she wore a little sign on her back that says ‘bye bye slow pokes’ she said that was the only view were going to get of here the whole race,” Signoret said about his daughter.

Finishing strong our own chief meterologist, Ginger Jeffries was amongst the pack crossing the finish line. As for Pougnet, he called the event a success.

The mayor said the city has raised more than $120,000, including a match of $50,000 from the Desert Healthcare District to support childhood obesity prevention programs in Palm Springs.

“It’s all about the kids, giving them a healthy lifestyle and getting them active,” said Sonia Johnson, of Desert Regional Medical Center.